Temple University School of Medicine - Skull Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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Hooders Graduation is a cultural tradition considered to be a rite of passage from one platform in a student’s life to another. Today's graduation ceremony is a manifestation of an ancient rite of passage in the modem context. An important part of the graduation ceremony is the giving of the hoods. The origin of the hood lies with the Celts and the Druids (Celtic priests). Among the Celts, only the Druids wore mantles, which had hoods attached to them as a mark of their rank in society. In the schools of the Middle Ages, the hoods were worn as a covering to resist the frigid temperatures. Gradually, it was integrated into the academic system with much symbolic significance. Now, the wearing of the hoods symbolizes a kind of authority, a high standing, or a new graduate's institution and degree. A hood is always black in color, but the edges and lining have individual significance. The hood is lined in silk with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. The edging of the hood is velvet, with a particular color representative of a field of study. The official colors of Temple University are cherry and white. The dark green signifies the field of medicine. One of the great continuing traditions is the presence of hooders - individuals who symbolically bestow the medical degree upon each graduate. The medical school has chosen six individuals to assist with the placement of these hoods. These distinguished members of the faculty were selected not only for their superior quality of teaching, but also for their passion, hard work, and dedication. The hooders have committed themselves to challenging the minds of medical students and encouraging us as future doctors to maintain the integrity of the profession. It was from these mentors that we were able to become true physicians. Oneida Arosarena, MD Karen Lin, MD, MPH Thank you, Dr. Lin, for keeping us aground with your reality checks and for teaching us to use our common sense, even in uncommon situations. Thank you, Dr. Arosarena, for your commitment to excellence in our education and for being an amazing role model and mentor. Vincent Cowell, MD Thank you, Dr. Cowell, for demonstrating the best of patient care and student education both in and out of the OR. You are truly a role model for all students. Natalia Ortiz, MD Thank you, Dr. Ortiz, for being a role model for kindness, compassion, and advocacy in the hospital and in the community. 4 Kathleen Dave, PhD Thank you, Dr. Dave, for being an amazing guide and mentor to our class and for the time spent ensuring our success. Lewis Katz School of Medicine Steven Popoff, PhD Thank you, Dr. Popoff, for acclimating us to medical school and for making sure we are ready for the next step in our journey.

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Temple University 3

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This yearbook is dedicated to David O’Gurek, MD 1. Tell us about yourself. I grew up in Summit Hill, a small town in the anthracite coal region of northeastern Pennsylvania. After getting a taste of Philadelphia during my four years at St. Joseph’s University, I completed medical school and residency in southcentral Pennsylvania at the Penn State College of Medicine and the Lancaster General Family Medicine Residency Program. My passion for education and urban community health brought me to Temple in 2013, having the honor of serving the North Philadelphia community and the inspiring students of LKSOM. I currently live in South Philly, interestingly enough, just 2 blocks from where my maternal ancestors lived when they arrived in Philadelphia from Italy. A die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, I can often be found roaming about the city; cheering on the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, and Flyers; and in South Philly Italian bakeries and restaurants. 2. What inspired you to go into medicine? Growing up in a close-knit, small town, I have been largely influenced by my own family’s personal history that always shared with the next generation the values of service, advocacy, and community. My parents still remember me telling them I was quitting school in 3rd grade to get a paper route and laugh that I went on to complete so much schooling after that. My fascination with science, humanities, and policy shepherded an interest in medicine through seeing the impact that community physicians had in their communities. Many small, impactful encounters developing relationships with people and seeing how physicians can build their own sense of community with their patients fostered a profession where I can carry out my family’s legacy. Temple University 5